January 20th, 2015
What To Expect In A Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty Procedure
Have you been suffering from arthritis in your knees? Have the pain and stiffness in your knees stopped you from doing the activities you love? Has it even inhibited your ability to perform simple tasks like walking or navigating stairs? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, it may be time to talk to your doctor about a bilateral total knee arthroplasty procedure. This total knee replacement may be your chance to experience the relief you have been waiting for. Discover what the knee specialists at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute have to say about this potentially life-changing procedure.
What is A Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty Procedure?
The bilateral total knee arthroplasty procedure may also be known as a double total knee replacement. This surgery is typically performed when the cartilage of both knees has been severely worn away. The procedure begins with the removal of the surface of the joints, as the arthritic ends of the bones are shaved off. Then, new metal and plastic surfaces, called prostheses, replace those which were removed.
A bilateral total knee arthroplasty procedure may take place in two different ways.A simultaneous bilateral total knee replacement involves both knees being replaced during the same surgical event. On the other hand, a staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty performs the replacement of each knee separately, several months apart. To determine which option may be the best for you, talk with your doctor and orthopaedic specialist.
How Long is Recovery?
The recovery time from a bilateral total knee arthroplasty procedure will depend, in part, upon whether or not the patient has undergone a staged or simultaneous procedure. When the replacement is staged, the patient has two separate periods of recovery, while a simultaneous procedure requires only one recovery period.
After any knee replacement, the recovery period will occur in different stages. Typically, patients need to use a cane or other support for a few weeks. Swelling in the knees, legs, feet, and ankles is normal for up to six months. For more specific details about what you can expect for your own recovery from this procedure, talk with your doctor.
Where Can I Find the Best Knee Replacement Surgeons?
The best surgeons for a bilateral total knee arthroplasty procedure can be found nearby at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute. Here, our team performs more than 9,000 joint replacement surgeries each year, giving our surgeons an unmatched level of experience. Their expertise is further supported through specialization in one particular area of orthopaedics, ensuring that each patient receives the highest level of service and care.